I enjoyed the beginning and end of this book, but from about 40% to the 88% mark I was struggling. It felt like the middle dragged on, and the end was where the best parts of the story were laid. As a result, it the ending felt rushed. I almost gave up on it, but am glad I didn’t. I liked the story, the characters, and the town: I just wanted more of what was held out until the very end of the book.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Laura Trentham for the chance to read a digital ARC of A Highlander is Coming to Town.

The third book in Laura Trentham's Highland, Georgia series follows Claire Smythe, the once lead singer of a Scottish touring band, as she tries to figure out her next step before coming into her inheritance. Claire's plans to keep a low profile while caring for an elderly widow get disrupted by Holt Pierson. Kind and handsome, Holt is determined to get Claire to open up and embrace the caring nature of Highland, Georgia.

Unfortunately I DNF'd the novel around the 30% mark. I didn't enjoy reading from Claire's perspective because she was too abrasive and prickly. I'm sure she has her reasons but I just wasn't in the mood to keep working towards the full reveal of her backstory. Reading from Holt's perspective was a lot easier - he's a great romance hero!

With that said, I've seen quite a few positive reviews so I'm sure this is just a case of "it's not the book, it's me".

Trentham delivers a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading abut Claire, Ms. Meadows, and Holt. I admire Claire for following her desire amd thwarting her family business obligation. Ms. Meadows initially was crusty, but was just lonely and sad. And then there's Holt. Hunky Holt who is a sexy farmer who kills it in a kilt! The story has it all: family issues, romance, music, and community. I agree with Holt's dad, Jack Daniels is the best whiskey.

The storyline was well written and the characters were very likable, believable and so engaging that Holt and Claire pulled me right into their story as it unfolded!

Sweet and romantic with a touch of heat.
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When you are in the mood for a light-hearted, easy contemporary romance with a touch of flair, this is the one to choose. While this is a third in a series book, it can definitely be read as a stand alone.

Holt really made this story. He is kind and caring without being overwhelming or over bearing. He takes everything in stride and perfectly balances the gruff, standoffish feelings you get from Claire.

Claire wants to hide and not call attention to herself, but the way she goes about it, certainly calls attention to herself too. But once she starts opening up, her sly wit and playful side comes out as well as her passion for Holt.

The author blends a lovely balance between the nervous Claire and the steadfast Holt. With an easy to read style, beautiful character development, along with plenty of spice and heat, the passion flows between the pages.

Holt Pierson is not looking forward to this Christmas. His parents left for Florida for the season and left him in charge of the family farm. He has always done what was expected of him.

Claire Smythe is the lead singer of a touring band. She’s hiding in Highland, Georgia to decide is she wants to join the family business when she turns 25. She is working as a caregiver to Ms. Meadows, a neighbor of Holt’s. Holt helps Claire sort out several problems, including what she wants to do with her life. In the end they have their happily ever after.
This is a sweet, romantic story for those who enjoy them.

A Highlander is Coming to Town by Laura Trentham is another in the Highland Georgia series and it's another fun read. Holt is a young farmer, who lives on his parents' farm. He doesn't regret not going to college because he knows he is meant to be a farm manager, but his parents have left him in charge while they go RVing around the country for Christmas.

Claire Smythe is a young singer who left her Scottish band and is hiding out in Highland to escape her family and her birthright, but she'll soon need to make some decisions...as in before her 25th birthday which is looming. In the meantime she is working as a helper to Ms. Meadows, an elderly townswoman who needs help after a fall.

Claire and Holt meet and the sparks fly, although Claire is terrified to be in a relationship or to make friends because she's afraid her family will find her and force her to make decisions she's not ready to make. As Holt and Claire get closer, will she finally tell them who she really is? Will she choose her family over love?

An enjoyable, quick read...you can't go wrong with any of the Highland Georgia novels! Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel for my honest review.

Move over, Santa. This year, a man in a kilt is coming to town...

Former lead singer for the Scottish rock band, the Scunners, Claire is hiding out in Highland, Georgia, while sorting out some personal issues. She dreads her inevitable return to Scotland, where she must face her distant parents and determine--once and for all--if she is ready and willing to lead the life they want for her. In the meantime, she's staying as the live-in caretaker for Ms. Meadows, an elderly widow with a lot of spunk. She doesn't have the time or inclination to get involved with anyone, let alone Holt Pierson. Especially Holt Pierson, because Ms. Meadows can't stand him.

All around nice guy and Highland's golden boy (and recent Laird of the Games at the Highlands Scottish Fair) Holt Pierson finds Ms. Meadows' less-than-friendly views on him to be fair. After all, his father had been harassing the old woman about buying her property since Holt was small. And he hasn't exactly been that good of a neighbor to her, especially when she needs it the most. But he's determined to change that. And, no, not just because she now has a really pretty girl living with her. Of course not. He's not interested in Claire. Except, he really, really is...

Can Holt and Claire get a Christmas miracle? And will the first annual Highland Burns Festival be a success? And what's wrong with Anna Maitland?

A fantastic conclusion to the Highland trilogy, "A Highlander is Coming to Town" is wonderfully Christmassy and festive despite the warm weather that Highland can't escape (living in Georgia's neighboring state, South Carolina, I feel ya...). This is a beautiful final trip to Highland, where we get to see a whole new Scottish festival, see familiar faces again, and catch up on all the latest gossip of the small town. And, more importantly, we finally get to see Holt in a leading role, and getting all the romance he deserves! Plus, Scottish accents and kilts. What's not to love? (There's a particular chapter that is near and dear to my heart, featuring Holt and Iain attempting--and failing--to cook. It is the best thing I have ever read.)

I love this series, it is such fun! I was actually looking forward to finding out Holt's story. That said, I was not impressed with this one. There's not much that makes Claire very Scottish except whisky and a punk band? Also the build up takes a bit too long. And when Holt and Claire finally do kiss, she's just been run off the road and might be injured. Definitely didn't feel too romantic. Moreover this one just wasn't as steamy as the previous two. And the Christmas aspect is underused so there wasn't much draw there either.

I still like the this town of Highland and I think I'll keep coming back for more in the series. This book introduced some more interesting characters I'd like to see find love with a Scottish twist!

Another sweet story in the Highland series. Holt and Claire are fun, and found this hard to put down. Highly recommend this book and author.

I really enjoyed this book until the last couple of chapters. The characters are fun and easy to like. The romance is slow-building and not rushed. The inclusion of the story surrounding Mrs. Meadows is a nice warm touch. But then comes the rushed ending. It ends so abruptly with everything just magically falling into place that you are left feeling, '" What the hell?"

A cute Christmas story, great for people who want to mix up their reading between Hallmark movies and romantic stories. I found some of the drama and tension a touch overdone and unbelievable. But overall it was an easy, light, and enjoyable read.

Holt Pierson is dreading Christmas. His parents absconded to Florida for the season and left him to handle the family farm which will be his one day—whether he wants it or not. Driven by duty, Holt has always followed the path expected of him. But lately, he’s been questioning what he wants and where he belongs. Will assuming the responsibility of the Pierson farm make him happy or is there something—or someone—else out in the wider world calling to him?

To Claire Smythe, the Scottish lead singer of a touring band, Highland, Georgia, is the perfect place to hide . . . until a very handsome and deeply curious Holt begins to ask all the questions Claire doesn’t want to answer. As Holt draws Claire out from under and into the fabric of small-town life, can Claire put the past behind her and embrace the unexpected gifts of the season—including the new and lasting love?

I’ve read all three books in this series now. This is a standalone however knowing the premise of the full story, reading about all the characters, and visiting with them once again, always makes it more enjoyable for me.

Loved Holt! He is such a good person – always doing the “right” thing – for everyone else – that he sometimes forgets to take care of himself. Claire is a great character too, just deeply conflicted about her life and not really liking herself very much. As the blurb will tell you, she is hiding out in Highland, from her life decisions, from her family, and ultimately from herself. A very touching and sweet (and sometimes spicy) story of two lost souls coming together…and draggin’ those around them into the light as well! Ms. Meadows is a hoot, too. Holt and Claire though? SO good for one another. Warm and touching story. This series keeps getting better and better.

I am enjoying this Highland, Georgia series by Laura Trentham. This was a great installment to it. There is mention of a few characters from past books; but, you don't need to know their whole story. If you have read the last book in this series then you know Holt. I was so happy to see him get his own story and not just be a secondary character. Claire Smythe is introduced in this story as the lead singer of a Scottish rock band called The Scudders. She decided to leave the band and stay in Highland for a while. She is a young woman with a lot of mystery surrounding her. Holt assists her one day and that is the beginning of their friendship; although Claire's promise to herself was not to get attached to any one or any place. It doesn't look like she'll be able to keep that promise.

I thoroughly enjoy Ms Trentham's writing style and prose. This book is well written with some wonderful characters. I loved meeting Ms. Meadows and the cousins Jessie Mac and Jessie Joe; as well as some others. Wonderful story, I almost hated to see it end.

When I got a request to read this by the publisher, I was a little dubious because of the cover. But I decided not to judge a book by its cover and give this a chance. After all, I was in the mood for an easy and fun romance. Or was I?
Sometimes I wonder if I can still read straight romance novels. Some of them just seem so basic... It's always the same format. Or it just feels like it, I don't know.
Admittedly, I've read loads and loads of romance novels and it's getting harder and harder to satisfy me now. But I really didn't click with this one. A lot of it felt rushed and I had a little bit of trouble connecting with the characters. I quickly found out, I just didn't care. About any of it.
All in all, it was okay. The end felt like it happened fast but mostly, this was fine. Shit, that sounds mean. I'm sorry. I guess this just isn't for me anymore.

What a great read! I was looking for a book to take my mind off of the troubles of today and this one hit the spot. This is book 3 in a trilogy, I didn't know that before reading - which means you don't HAVE to read them in order!

Claire "Smythe" (in quotes because you KNOW that isn't really her last name!) is a dynamic character who tugs at your heart strings. She is a kind soul who is looking for her path in life and really just trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. She takes a job with Ms. Meadows (now, there's a story I would love to read!!!) who is grumpy and stiff at first and softens as their relationship develops. If Claire can soften Ms. Meadows... she can do ANYTHING! I love that kind of character!

In walks Holt.... a kid who stayed home to help run the family farm turned into a man running the family farm. He falls head over heels for Claire... BUT... Claire's secret... well, it may keep them apart.... will he let it? You'll have to read to find out! HA!

The fact that this is a Christmas novel is an afterthought. There are references to Christmas but it could easily have been set at any other time of the year and still worked, so don't let that deter you from reading it!!

This is a great quick read and I highly recommend it!

I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley at no fee.

This is book #3 of Trentham’s Highland, Georgia series, joining A Highlander Walks into a Bar and A Highlander in a Pickup. As always, the characters are hometown friendly and totally relatable. The small town and rural farm settings lend to the plot’s comfortable pace, and the romance is slow-simmering and sweet. Christmas is coming to Highland, and everyone is invited.
Claire Smythe, the former lead singer of the Scottish band, the Scunners, is a bundle of secrets. She left the band months ago, preferring to lay low for a while to ponder her complicated future. With her 25th birthday mere weeks away, she has a lot to think about. Highland seems like the perfect place to hide away, where hopefully, no one will recognize her.
Holt Pierson is managing his family’s farm while his parents are off galavanting about the country in their retirement RV. While he doesn’t begrudge his parents’ well-earned freedom, he wonders if this will become an expectation, because he isn’t certain that running the family farm is his future. But that train of thought jumps the rails when he discovers that Claire Smythe, with her quirky ways and delightful brogue, is staying at the farm next door.

While the other books in this series were really great..... this one did not live up to them. The heroine was not very likeable and I found it difficult to really enjoy the book because of her. The writer is extremely talented in her way of telling a story but overall I could of given this one a pass. The only reason Im going 3 stars is the way the heroine developed as the story developed. The author saved this from a one star to a 3 with her way of writing the developing character softening her to where she was almost likeable and interesting. Kudos to the author for such talent! I was given this book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own and voluntary. Regards Anna

This is a perfect contemporary romance if you want a touch of Scottish charm mixed with a pinch of southern hospitality in a Christmas backdrop that will leave you with a smile. I love this series and this is a wonderful addition. This can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

One of the things I love about this book is that it is so much fun to read and it is low angst. While there is a definite problem to overcome before a happily ever after can be reached, there is nothing gut wrenching or dark. The hero, Holt, is everything kind and strong and supportive, there is nothing brooding or secretive about him. Don’t get me wrong, I love a dark brooding hero, but sometimes it is nice to get an uncomplicated and sexy nice guy.

Likewise, Claire, the heroine, has a secret and something she needs to work out, but she is not traumatized and she is also kind and funny and genuine. These two genuinely like each other and they don’t need to work through complex misunderstandings or go through agonizing situations.

I also loved all the friendships in this small town. This was a charming and comfortable read. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun Christmas romance. I hope there will be more books to follow in this series.

I really enjoyed this story, the characters built strong relationships, even if Claire fought it the entire time. Holt and Claire were great together, had a lot of chemistry. I loved that in the end she chose her relationship with Holt and the people of Highland to her family.